C I T ‘I{U S F I T S 
LEMONS 
A number of years ago, before the newer seetions of Florida were opened up, Lemons were raised 
in considerable quantities. A number of causes contributed to the reduction of the plantings, until 
at this time Lemons are grown in small numbers only. It is now quite certain that a return to the 
planting of this citrus fruit will make a profitable investment under proper conditions. The growing of 
Lemons for use in this state alone is an industry worthy of consideration. 
In the past few years two varieties, comparatively new to Florida growers, have been introduced 
and bid fair to become important commercially. These are Meyer and Perrine, described below. 
Meyer Lemon 
This variety, also known as the Chinese Lemon, has attracted favorable attention because of its hardiness, 
thrifty growth, and heavy fruiting. The fruit, when mature, is almost round, very smooth, and takes on 
an orange color in both rind and flesh. It ripens mostly in the fall and winter months. 
On account of its lack of resemblance to the ordinary yellow Lemon, it may prove difficult to build up 
a market for the Meyer in competition with the long-established California and Italian varieties. Notwith¬ 
standing, a number of leading growers are planting the Meyer extensively, and, with proper merchandising, 
it is entirely possible that a market can be established. Most certainly it should be grown extensively for 
home use and for the local market. 
Perrine Lemon 
The Perrine is a hybrid resulting from a cross between the West Indian lime and the Genoa Lemon. 
In appearance it is a genuine Lemon, both in size and color, and we believe it is the most promising variety 
ever introduced in Florida. 
The tree grows vigorously and bears prolificly,.even when quite young. It has a decided advantage over 
other varieties of Lemons and limes in that it has thus far proved entirely immune to the two worst diseases 
of these fruits. Lemon scab and lime w'ithertip. Repeated observations have failed to detect any infection 
on cither foliage or fruit. 
The fruit, as indicated, has much the shape, size, and color of the ordinary Lemon. Its rind is thin and 
tough, which would indicate excellent shipping and keeping qualities. The juice has a real Lemon flavor, 
strongly acid, with no “off taste.” Seeds few in number. Trees more or less everbearing in habit. The 
Perrine, while hardier than the lime, should be planted only in well-protected locations. It has been suc¬ 
cessfully budded on Rough Lemon stock only. 
In our opinion, for growers who hesitate to plant any more acreage to the standard varieties of citrus 
and who are looking for something new and promising, the planting of the Perrine Lemon on an extensive 
commercial scale should be most seriously considered. 
Ponderosa Lemon 
An exceptionally large Lemon, 
fruits weighing from to 2 ^ 
pounds. This fruit, while a great 
novelty, has at the same time a 
well-defined usefulness. The juice 
from one of them will make a large 
pitcher of lemonade. It can also be 
used in all the culinary ways in 
which ordinary Lemons are used. 
It makes a very fine, thrifty, orna¬ 
mental tree and bears heavy crops 
when quite young. Two or three of 
these trees should be included in 
every home orchard planting. 
Villa Franca Lemon 
In our test orchards we have 
grown and fruited for years all 
the important commercial varie¬ 
ties of Lemons. As a result of 
these tests we are convinced that 
Villa Franca is the Lemon for 
home use in Florida. The fruit 
is juicy, strongly acid, and of 
fine quality, almost or quite 
seedless. The tree is quite free 
from thorns, a fine grower, and pro¬ 
duces regularly fine crops of good 
Perrine Lemons fruit. 
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